Alwarkurichi Vanniyappar Temple- Thirunelveli

Address

Alwarkurichi Vanniyappar Temple- Thirunelveli

Alwarkurichi, Thirunelveli District,

Tamil Nadu 627423

Phone: +91 – 4634 – 283 058

Moolavar

Vanniyappar (Agneeswarar)

Amman

Sivakama Sundari

Introduction

The Vanniyappar Temple is a significant Shiva temple located in Alwarkurichi Village, Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, India.

Dedication: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known as Vanniyappar, which is another name for Agneeswarar. The presiding deity is Lord Agneeswarar, and the goddess is Sivakama Sundari.
Age: This ancient temple is nearly 2000 years old, making it a place of great historical and cultural significance.
Legend of Agni Theertham: The temple is associated with a legend from the Dwapara Yuga. According to the story, the Sapta Rishis (Seven Sages) were performing a yajna to control Agni, the fire god, from causing destruction. However, Agni disrupted the yajna, and the sages cursed him, causing him to lose his power. To seek redemption, Agni disguised himself as a fish and hid in a tank near the temple. With the guidance of Sudama Maharishi, Agni later created a Shiva Linga and installed it in this temple to purify himself.
Parihara Sthalam: The temple is considered a Parihara Sthalam, where devotees seek remedies for various doshas (planetary afflictions) and offer prayers for marriage and childbirth. It is particularly known as a place to seek blessings for those affected by Rahu Dosham, Kethu Dosham, and Kalasarpa Dosham.
Goddess Kalyanambal and Garbarakshambigai: Devotees worship Goddess Kalyanambal for marriage-related obstacles, while those seeking childbirth offer prayers to Garbarakshambigai.
Unique Carvings: The temple is known for its unique carvings that depict scenes related to childbirth. There are sculptures of women helping one another deliver children, as well as various yoga postures for pregnant women.
Navagraha Yantras: Unlike traditional Navagraha shrines, the temple has the Navagrahas in Yantra form sculpted in the roof of the Artha mandapam before Lord Shiva’s shrine.
Inner and Outer Prakaras: The temple has two prakaras (enclosures). The outer prakara is not accessible due to poor maintenance. The inner prakara features various idols, including Sapta Matas, Surya, Chandra, Bhairava, Shiva Lingas, and more.
Five Holy Places: The temple is part of a group of five holy places known as the Panchakrosha Sthalas. These sacred places include Pappankulam Rameswarar, Papanasam Papanasa Nathar, Thiruvaleeswararm Tiruvaleeswara Nathar, and Shiva Shailam Shivashailappar, all located within a radius of 25 kilometers.
Importance for Marriage and Childbirth: Devotees believe that worshipping at this temple can help remove obstacles in marriage and grant blessings for safe childbirth. It is particularly popular among women seeking fertility and safe delivery.